Independent Consultant with a Hawaiian Shirt

Sorry I've fallen behind on this. The past couple of weeks have been reruns - Sacramento, CA and Rogers, AR. On my trip to Rogers, I flew in and out of Springfield, MO. On the way back to Springfield on the 19th, I discovered Carthage, MO. This town is home to the Precious Moments Chapel. Contrary to popular belief, this place is much more than a shrine for figurine collectors. The artwork and the mood is something special. Surprisingly I am having a hard time putting words to the calm and tranquility I experienced during my trip here. One of the themes that the artist deals with throughout the chapel is Heaven. For those who are mourning a loss, great comfort can be found here. I strongly recommend a visit to all who may pass by this way. Here are some pictures from the grounds and from the chapel itself. The guided tour gave me too many wonderful stories to share. Admission is free; I recommend the tour. http://picasaweb.google.com/khalaf.writes/PreciousMomentsChapel

Wednesday night last week I made a spur-of-the-moment stop at the Billy Graham Library. Much to my surprise there was a Living Nativity set up by the entrance: http://picasaweb.google.com/khalaf.writes/BillyGrahamLibrary After walking through the Exhibit Hall, I left with a clear sense of wonder. How wonderful God is that his message of love is so simple, and how wonderful that in our lifetime we have been blessed through a man who could retell the message with clarity and simplicity. Billy Graham's faithful witness allows the power of God's Word to come crashing through. If you're ever in the Charlotte area, do take the time to visit the museum. I'm already figuring out how I'm going to get the family down there in the summer.

There is a certain restfulness I feel in my soul whenever I'm in the South. People are much gentler, life is just a bit slower paced, and the food is plentiful. When I arrived in Charlotte on Sunday, the road leading from the airport to the interstate is known as the Billy Graham Parkway. It says alot about what is valued by people here. I'm sure there are other monuments to other great Carolinans such as Jesse Helms or Elizabeth Dole. But the thought of every visitor and returning resident being greeted by the name of a man who spoke a simple message of God's love whilst living a life of unparalleled integrity - well, that put a lump in my throat. The Sunday night drive from Charlotte to Winston-Salem was 85 miles. Thanks to the post-Thanksgiving travel, it took about 2 1/2 hours to get to my hotel. After I settled in my room, I hung my shirts and suits on hangers in the bathroom and turned on the hot water in the shower to steam them wrinkle-free. I must have left the wat...